January 17, 1973

[1] Official Gazette for January 18, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS issued the following statement on the ratification of the new Constitution: “ The ratification of our new Constitution marks the end of an old era and its old ways; it marks as well the beginning of a future, tinged perhaps with unknown perils for those who are prisoners of their own tears, but nevertheless a future of novel and unsurpassed opportunities for the fulfillment of our people ’ s long dormant hopes and dreams. “ Our future is here, whether or not we recognize this fact, and there is now no turning back the tide. It is easier perhaps and more comfortable to look back to the solace of a familiar and mediocre past, but the times are too grave and the stakes too high for us to permit the customary concessions to traditional democratic processes to hold back our people ’ s clear and unequivocal resolve and mandate to meet and overcome the extraordinary challenges presented by these extraordinary times. “ Our people have spoken with wisdom and courage. We must now translate their wishes into concrete positive acts. They want a new Constitution, thus we have a new Constitution. They reject the politics of the old, thus we have ratified the citizens assemblies or the barangays as the organ through which government must now consult with the people, and the people with their government. They do not want our people to bear the cost of an ad interim assembly, so we shall not convene them. In ratifying the new Constitution, we ratified the wisdom of the people; it is now for us to live by that new charter. “ Let not our people be swayed from their chosen path by those who are capable of dispensing only high rhetoric and unredeemable pledges, by those who curse the darkness where there really is light. “ Going the new way will require gifts of character our people innately possess. I invite our people now to close ranks and blaze the way to what I am certain is a secure and happy future, guided by God ’ s awesome grace and the light of our new Constitution. ” PRESIDENT MARCOS, at the same time, called upon everyone to comply with the provisions of the new Constitution as well as with all the laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations now in force. The President, likewise, called upon all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, barrio captains and all other local officials to continue discharging their duties in accordance with existing laws and with the orderly administration of government. The President pointed out that under the new Constitution, all local officials are to carry on with their functions until otherwise provided by law or by decree. The Chief Executive sounded the call in a message sent out to all citizens assemblies and barangays which he congratulated and to which he conveyed his gratitude for the prompt support and cooperation they extended their government m connection with the recent referendum. JUSTICE UNDERSECRETARY Efren Plana said that contrary to popular belief, the President did not ratify the new charter but only proclaimed its ratification by the people through the recently concluded referendum initiated by means of the citizens assemblies and barangays all over the country. He said that the nation is now governed by the new charter and because of the “ transition nature ” of the government ’ s machinery at present, there is a need for a “ concentration of powers ” border to have “ decisiveness ” in recouping lost ground. The undersecretary said that President Marcos may exercise the powers of the Prime Minister and of the President as embodied in the ‘ 72 charter, in addition to his old powers as President under the old Constitution, as provided for in the Charter. POLICE COMMISSION Chairman Crispino M. De Castro ordered the suspension of nine chiefs of police and 85 policemen from all over the country who have been charged in various administrative cases. The order brings to a total of 738 police personnel ordered suspended by the Polcom since the imposition of Martial Law. Of this number, 34 are chiefs of police. Chairman de Castro said 706 of those now under suspension have been barred from the police service until after the final disposition of their cases. GREATER DEDICATION to duty by customs appraisers and examiners at the Port of Manila has netted for the government an additional income of P18,441,199, representing collection of tax discrepancies due to misclassification of 2,795 import entries during the second quarter of the current fiscal year from October to December 1972. Customs Commissioner Rolando G. Geotina said that the figure is P9,774,956 more than what was collected during the first quarter, from July to September 1972, which was only P8,666,243. ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT agencies were reminded by President Marcos that apprehensions and detentions should be made only on the basis of sworn statements of complaining parties and not on charges made merely through anonymous letters or by irresponsible individuals. In the course of his conferences with a number of local executives, the President emphasized that anonymous letters should, at most, be made the bases for investigation or surveillance.

[2] It is unknown where this text comes from because this entry is missing.

[3] Official Gazette for January 21, 1973: BRIG GEN Fidel V. Ramos, PC chief, set Feb. 28 as the deadline for the surrender of all excess firearms in the possession of private individuals and members of the armed forces, and aid down the procedure for their turnover in accordance with General Order No. 22 issued by the President last Jan. 17. STEPS TO HELP alleviate the serious rice shortage in many parts of the world is being taken by the United States government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this is to be done by increasing America ’ s rice acreage for the 1973 crop year (August-July) by 10 per cent—or about 250, 000 acres. Such an increase in acreage is expected to result in the production of an additional 300, 000 metric tons of rice.

[4] Official Gazette for January 22, 1973: PROCLAMATION BY PRESIDENT Marcos of the ratification of the new Constitution has been welcomed by local governments to continue their role as effective partner of the national government in working for the people ’ s welfare. This view was expressed by Gov. Isidro S. Rodriguez of Rizal as guest on Channel 13. The Rizal governor said that the local governments can effectively work in partnership with the administration because the local governments are the ones in “ direct communication with the people and are, thereby, in a position to relay to national officials the immediate needs for “ accelerating economic growth. PRESIDENT MARCOS exhorted the officials and employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform to strive with all their enthusiasm, fervor and capability to accelerate the land reform program. The President gave the exhortation during the oath-taking of the directors of the bureaus under the department who, along with some 17 foreign affairs officers, were the first government officials to take their oaths of office before the President under the new Constitution. The President, at the same time, enjoined some 90 volunteer doctors and nurses who were leaving for the rural areas, to spread the gospel of the New Society, that “ each and everyone of us is his brother ’ s keeper. ” The President received the members of the medical teams which will attend to the health needs of people in remote localities without pay for one month. He asked the volunteers not only to give medical care but also to involve the people, particularly the youth, in the formation of cooperatives, wholesome recreation, family planning, nutrition and community development. CUSTOMS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER Pedro Mendoza reported that the amount of P6,371,324 has been collected from previously untaxed motor vehicles as of Jan. 22, 1973. In the port of Manila alone, about 1,500 motor vehicles were already registered in compliance with Presidential Decree No. 52 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 52-A reducing by 50 per cent taxes on motor vehicles on 1970 to 1972 models, and by 70 per cent 03 1969 and below models. On previously untaxed income or hidden wealth, the BIR has collected as of Jan. 22 a total of P1,133,534 representing 10 per cent of more than P11 million already reported to the BIR as previously undeclared income or hidden wealth. The deadline for the tax amnesty on previously untaxed income or wealth is March 31, 1973. THREE SURVEY MISSIONS—the Japanese survey mission, World Bank Economic Mission and the Labor Mission—are at present in the country to look into the country ’ s development program with particular emphasis on local projects that could be funded with foreign aid and to examine the trends and problems on employment opportunities in the Philippines. The Japanese mission headed by Akio Suzuki of the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of Japan, arrived last Jan. 15 to discuss with Philippine government officials the country ’ s four-year development program and possible projects for submission to the Japanese government for aid financing. This mission was sent here in connection with the Japanese foreign aid commitment of $75 million made during the World Bank consultative talks held in Tokyo last year. The World Bank group headed by Russel Cheetham will examine the trends relating to production, employment, public finance and balance of payments and will assess the Philippine external aid requirements. The labor mission led by Dr. Gustav Ranis came here to study labor and general development policies with the view to expanding employment opportunities. PUBLIC OFFICIALS, including constitutional officers, who were exempt from taxation under the 1935 Constitution are now subject to tax under the new Constitution. According to Bin Commissioner Vera, this means that constitutional officers such as the justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and other appellate courts, judges of the courts of first instance, the Court of Tax Appeals and similar quasi judicial bodies, judges of city and municipal courts, and also the Auditor General and others, must not only pay income tax but also the annual occupation tax more popularly known as the professional tax. Commissioner Vera directed all revenue officials, especially collection agents, to remind all those affected, to comply with the new provisions of the 1972 Constitution by paying their professional tax on or before Jan. 31, 1973. TOTAL OF 27 AMNESTY teams have been organized in seven provinces m Mindanao to conduct the initial processing of surrenderors who wish to avail themselves of the amnesty under Presidential Decree No. 95. PC Chief Ramos said the amnesty teams were organized in each of the PC company headquarters in the provinces and cities covered by amnesty proclamations. The incumbent commanding officer of the PC company in each particular area was designated amnesty team leader while the PC headquarters was made amnesty reception center where the surrenderors will be processed and given conditional amnesty. PRESIDENT MARCOS has issued Presidential Decree No. 101 expediting the methods in prescribing, redefining, or modifying the lines and modes of operation of public utility vehicles in the Philippines through the Board of Transportation. The decree notes that in the Greater Manila area, and in the bigger towns and cities and the main roads connecting them, there exists serious traffic congestion and disorder that have been causing accidents and delays in travel, which are highly detrimental to public safety and convenience and to the functions, of commerce, industry and government. The decree likewise notes that in many parts of the country, due partly to inadequacy of transportation facilities, there have abounded unauthorized operators of public utility motor vehicles (colorum and kabit) which have clandestinely operated in violation of the penal provisions of existing law, rendered unregulated, unsafe or substandard service, put up unfair competition to legitimate operators, and deprived the government of a considerable amount of taxes and fees.

[5] Official Gazette for January 23, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS declared that the Supreme Court decision on the validity of Proclamation No. 1102 issued last Jan. 17, opened the way for the full implementation of the new Constitution. “ Henceforth, there should be no hesitation on the part of anyone in the implementation of the new Constitution. Insofar as I am concerned the ratification is an accomplished fact. The new Constitution is in full force and effect by the sanction of the people, ” the President said. He pointed out that one of the issues in the high tribunal ’ s decision promulgated last Jan 22 is the validity of Proclamation No 1102 which proclaims the ratification of the new Constitution by the Filipino people The Supreme Court however, dismissed these petitions and refused to issue a res training order to prohibit the promulgation of both the proclamation and the new Constitution itself. BOARD OF INVESTMENTS Chairman Vicente Paterno said that the ratification of the new Constitution has considerably improved the business climate in the country and this could result in the entry of more foreign investments. The BOI chairman pointed out that following the imposition of Martial Law, from September to November, businessmen entrepreneurs adopted a “ wait-and-see ” attitude. “ However, this uncertainty vanished when the President proclaimed the ratification of the new Constitution, which states in clear and precise terms the national philosophy in dealing with foreign investors ” Mr. Paterno said. The BOI chairman said that under the new charter, the government policy is to move forcefully forward and guide the business sector in the planning and implementation of business policies and ventures. He likewise assured greater participation by the private sector in the development of the national economy. Mr. Paterno pointed out that the new Constitution assured foreign investors of equal treatment, particularly with citizens and firms of the United States. PRESIDENT MARCOS renewed his appeal to the people to band together in order that they may attain the objectives of the New Society and move forward in progress. The President told members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines that more than anything else, the country needed unity for “ if we are not united, no matter how well meaning the reforms are it will not be possible to attain our objectives. ” The President deplored the fact that the people have been disunited for so long that it is now necessary that they be united. He said it was for this purpose that he has granted amnesty not only to the secessionist but to all the insurgents and subversives who want to return to the folds of the law. PRESIDENT MARCOS led the Filipino people in conveying to Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson and the American people “ our deepest sympathies ” on the passing of former President Johnson. His statement follows in full: “ The Filipino people join me in conveying to you and the American people our deepest sympathies on the passing of former President Johnson. “ He served the American presidency at a time of severe test and serious decisions for the United States Government. Through all that time, his interest in Asia did not wane, and he remained to the very end, a friend of the Philippines. ” In a separate statement, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo said: “ The death of President Lyndon B. Johnson robs the world of one of its most distinguished post war leaders. A superb parliamentarian, he brought to the presidential office the skill of bargaining and compromise on behalf of domestic social legislation and of world peace. “ Raised on the precepts of the New Deal, he provided America the vision of a Great Society, in which poverty shall be eradicated and where complete equality shall reign. “ In Vietnam, President Johnson ran into the most difficult problem that his country had had to face after the second World War. In his arduous search for peace, he journeyed to Manila to meet with the heads of state of six Asian countries. In this historic meeting, the seven nations laid down the principles that shall govern a just peace in Vietnam. He began the process which today enables his countrymen at last to see the light at the end of the tunnel. “ This greatly gifted man served his tenure in a cloud controversy. But of his compassionate heart there was never any question. America mourns his passing, and I join in that country ’ s bereavement. ”

[6] Official Gazette for January 24, 1973: STRONG LEADERSHIP was exercised by President Marcos when he imposed Martial Law because it was his duty to save the old society from its festering diseases and lead the nation on the road to health and progress for future generations of Filipinos. “ The President did not grab power or assume the position of dictator but like a surgeon, performed his duty without being disturbed or distracted by internal or external forces to save the patient (old society), ” Secretary of Public Information Francisco S. Tatad declared in an extemporaneous speech during the 17th annual convention of the Philippine Association of Military Surgeons. Secretary Tatad traced the charge of dictatorship to some sections of the foreign press and to certain local groups whose personal ambitions and self-interests were negated by the bold reforms of the President under the New Society. The secretary pointed out that above the selfish individual interests of the few dissenters is the national welfare which motivated the President to impose Martial Law because like the military surgeons it was his duty to save the patient. SECRETARY OF LABOR Blas F. Ople officially informed the unions of government controlled or operated corporations that they were being placed under the civil service in accordance with Section 1, Subtitle B of Article XIII (The Constitutional Commissions) of the new Constitution, which went into force at noontime of Jan. 17. Secretary Ople met with the heads of the government corporate unions to seek; their cooperation in putting into effect smoothly the Constitutional provision. He told the unions that some legal points, including the question of the duration of collective bargaining agreements, have been referred to the secretary of justice. However, the Constitutional provisions placing government owned and controlled corporations under the Civil Service Law was “ clear and unequivocal, ” according to Sec. Ople. SECRETARY OPLE likewise stated in a speech before the Davao Jaycees that the Philippines can be “ the new Asian prodigy ” to watch in the next few years as Filipinos focus all their energies and talents on development goals. The Labor secretary said that while “ our neighbors such as Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Singapore spurted ahead economically and socially, the Filipinos allowed themselves to be distracted by incessant party politics which sapped their energies and vitality as well as their resources. ” But under Martial Law, Mr. Ople said the government and the people are now insulated for the first time from the crippling interference of partisan politics. Therefore, many people feel that a long tenacious bondage has been snapped and the nation is now free to concentrate on its development goals, he added. PRESIDENT MARCOS issued General Order No. 24 authorizing the arrest and detention of any person who commits crimes against personal liberty as defined and penalized under the Revised Penal Code. The crimes covered by the order are kidnapping and serious illegal detention, slight illegal detention, unlawful arrest, kidnaping and failure to return a minor inducing a minor to abandon his home slavery, exploitation of child labor and compulsion of anybody to render services in payment of debts. Crimes against personal liberty are now under the jurisdiction of the military courts. IN BEHALF OF THE FILIPINO people, President Marcos expressed hope that the announcement of a ceasefire in Vietnam will bring about a true kind of peace in Indochina and remove the threats to peace in Southeast Asia and in the world. The President ’ s statement followed the simultaneous announcements in Vietnam. The President ’ s statement in full: “ The Philippine Government welcomes the announcement that a ceasefire has been reached, and is shortly to take effect in Vietnam. We, in the Philippines, hope that this will bung about a true kind of peace in Indochina, and that it will remove the threats to peace in Southeast Asia and the world. We congratulate the parties for their labors and their courage in drawing up a document that fulfills the hopes and prayers of so many, and adds new prospects to the future of human understanding cooperation and brotherhood. “ Enforcing and consolidating the peace is always a difficult undertaking, but given the goodwill and the determination that moved the negotiating parties to reach this agreement, we are confident that this will mark a new period in the life of Southeast Asia. With the settlement of the war, the developing nations of the region, beginning with Vietnam, can now fully develop, not only to rebuild the ruins of war, but rather to move ahead to the full limits of progress. “ To us, this day is a victory for peoples all over the world who pray and work for peace. “ In our own modest way, we have sought to contribute to this quest for peace. We have sought to humanize the cruelty and sufferings of war. We sent the Philcag and the Philcon to Vietnam not to kill but to heal, not to take life but to preserve it, not to destroy but to build. For we could not help but be involved in the agony of the human spirit in Vietnam. “ Today, as peace begins to find its way in Vietnam, we see our own share of conflict in our land. Ambition and ideology have combined to mobilize certain forces against our government and our people. “ I ask those fighting the government to now put down their arms. I call upon my brother Filipinos—whatever their ideology or persuasion, Moslem or Christian, communist or democrat, Nacionalista or Liberal, to lay down the weapons of war and take up the tools of peace. “ Let us build a nation in strength and unity, and let us build it now. ” In a separate statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Carlos P. Romulo said: “ President Nixon ’ s announcement that a ceasefire in Vietnam has been agreed upon ends a cruel war that has weighed heavily on the conscience of the world. We must all hope that the cessation of hostilities will lead, m the not too distant future, to the final political settlement of the status of the entire Vietnamese people. “ The Vietnam ceasefire is a historic point in the lives of Vietnamese the Asians and the world at large. To a generation of Vietnamese that has not known peace, the end of the war means their first real opportunity to build a future. To Asians, it means the end of perpetual tension and grave threats to regional security. To the world at large, it removes a source of friction that has been a constant threat to international security. “ We must now turn to the considerable problems brought about by the termination of the Vietnam War. Among these, the foremost will be the national and regional security in Southeast Asia. We must plan for the reconstruction and development of the devastated areas. We must also begin to think seriously of the shape of Asia that will emerge from the holocaust of the Vietnam war. ”

[7] Official Gazette for October 25, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS sent the following congratulatory message to President Nixon for the ceasefire agreement in Vietnam: “ The Filipino people join me in congratulating you and the American people for negotiating an honorable peace in Vietnam. Freedom-loving peoples everywhere welcome the ceasefire agreement as a testimony to the courage, patience and will of the United States government which did not shirk responsibility but sought it to the end that peace may be achieved. We are confident that all nations who have a stake, in the well-being of humanity will do their part to make the peace work. Accept, Mr. President, the assurance of our highest esteem. ” INFORMATION SECRETARY Francisco S. Tatad said that the Philippines can expect to enjoy an economic boom when peace finally comes; to Vietnam, and if peace can be maintained particularly in the southern borders of the Philippines, this country can be among the major beneficiaries of a reconstruction bonanza. Sec. Tatad said the Philippines expects to participate in the construction boom in Japan, Hongkong, Australia and Indonesia. All these countries need construction materials from the Philippines. He said that the settlement of the Vietnam war is expected to open Southeast Asia to increased tourism in view of which the Philippines is preparing for the expanded flow of tourists to this country. MEMBERS OF THE CABINET were directed to submit as soon as possible their respective studies and recommendations on the various provisons of the new Constitution affecting their department. President Marcos reminded the members of his official family that during the meeting of the Cabinet last Jan. 17, he had asked them to study the Constitutional provisions pertaining to their respective departments and to submit recommendations thereon. The President issued the reminder after administering the oath of office to the Cabinet secretaries whom he had reappointed under the new Constitution. Inducted by the President were: Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo, Secretary of Finance Cesar E.A. Virata, Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos, Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Arturo Tanco Jr., Secretary of Public Works, Transportation and Communications David M. Consunji, Secretary of Education and Culture Juan Manuel, Secretary of Labor Blas F. Ople; Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, Secretary of Trade and Tourism Troadio T. Quiazon Jr., Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor Jr., Secretary of General Services Constancio Castañeda, Secretary of Social Welfare Estefania Aldaba-Lim, Secretary of Agrarian Reform Conrado F. Estrella; Director General Gerardo P. Sicat of National Economic and Development Authority; Secretary of Public Information Francisco S. Tatad, Secretary of Local Government and Community Development Jose Roño, Chairman Florencio Medina of the National Science Development Board, Commissioner Mama Sinsuat of the National Integration and Commissioner Faustino Sy-Changco of the Budget. Also inducted by the President were Governor Gregorio S. Licarios of the Central Bank and Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza. CREATION OF THE NATIONAL Economic and Development Authority provided the principal coordinating agency which will unity the cross purposes of previous economic bodies concerned with planning and implementation of the country ’ s economic policies. As created under Presidential decree issued by the President, the NED A which absorbed the functions of the National Economic Council and the Presidential Economic Staff, will be the principal economic planning body and policy maker of the government. When its decisions are approved by the President, who is chairman, these decisions become effective immediately. NEDA Director General Gerardo Sicat said that, as m the past, the private sector will be consulted together with the government agencies, in the formulation of economic policies. He predicted that the government ’ s development plans will assume greater meaning for everybody and will yield more results under the reforms brought about by Martial Law. TWO VITAL ROAD extensions which will link Gov. Forbes (north of the Pasig river) through Mabini (Nagtahan) bridge will soon be advertised for public bidding. These major thoroughfares, which are set to be started this year, will serve as a direct link between the North and South Expressways and will provide the missing link in the circumferential Highway 2 which rings the inner sections of Manila. TEACHING OF TAXATION in the elementary grade level has effectively raised the tax consciousness of elementary school pupils. This was the finding of the National Tax Research Center following a survey cover ing 20 cities, 20 provinces and 60 municipalities in the 10 regions of the country. Respondents of the survey were elementary school teachers who taught taxation in their classes, using “ The Guide for Teaching Taxation in the Elementary Schools ” as basis for instruction. The “ Guide ” was formulated through the joint efforts of the NTRC (then the Joint Legislative-Executive Tax Commission) and the Department of Education, and adopted for nationwide use in the academic term 1970-71. The Bureau of Internal Revenue extends assistance by requiring its regional offices to provide discussants to the schools. FILIPINO WOMEN who married Chinese husbands and lost their Philippine citizenship before the effectivity of the new Constitution at noon of Jan. 17, 1973, remain Chinese citizens and are not affected by Sec. 2 Art. III of the new charter which allows Filipino women who marry aliens to retain their Filipino citizenship, Immigration and Deportation Commissioner Edmundo M. Reyes announced.

[8] Official Gazette for January 26, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS issued Letter of Instructions No. 53 calling on all heads of departments and agencies of the government, including chiefs of government owned and controlled corporations, to draw up plans, programs, studies and recommendations for the immediate implementation of policies contained in the new Constitution. In drawing up these plans, the department heads were cautioned to observe utmost economy without prejudicing the country ’ s development goals. They were also told to attend immediately to matters which do not call for top-policy decision and may be implemented on a department or agency level and to report to the President actions taken on this score. The department heads were required to submit their proposals and recommendations, together with drafts of implementing decrees, orders or circulars, within two weeks. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 107 creating the National Economic and Development Authority, was issued by the President. The Authority shall recommend to the National Assembly, after consultation with the private sector, local government units and other appropriate public agencies, continuing, coordinated and fully integrated social and economic plans and programs. Under the decree, the NEDA is composed of the President as chairman, the executive secretary, NEDA director general; and the finance secretary, secretary of agriculture and natural resources, secretary of trade and tourism, secretary of public works, transportation and communications, secretary of labor, secretary of education and culture, governor of the Central Bank, commissioner of the budget, and chairman of the Board of Investments, as members. ONE PRESIDENTIAL executive assistant and two presidential assistants to coordinate the activities of the President ’ s own staff for a more effective implementation of his policies, decisions and directives under the new Constitution, were reappointed by the President. They were 1) Presidential Executive Assistant Jacobo C. Clave, former press secretary, a lawyer and former foreign affairs and Senate reporter of the Manila Daily Bulletin; 2) Presidential Assistant Guillermo de Vega, professorial lecturer at the University of the Philippines, a doctorate degree holder in political history and concurrently chairman of the Board of Censors for Motion Pictures; and 3) Presidential Assistant Juan C. Tuvera, former assistant press secretary, member of the Board of Liquidators and former newspaperman. The three have been serving the President since his inauguration in 1966. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE Juan Ponce Enrile ordered that no arrest, search or seizure shall be made on the person or property of legitimate businessmen and merchants as well as the corresponding release of such person or property without prior clearance from the Office of the Secretary of the Department of National Defense. This directive was contained in DND Department Order No. 738 dated Jan. 25, 1973, which states that the control of such arrest, search and seizure is in consonance with the government ’ s effort to stabilize the peace and order situation by removing the negative factor which may tend to cause alarm or agitation that would unduly disturb the legitimate operation of businessmen and merchants in the country. BUREAU OF REHABILITATION of the Department of Social Welfare was deputized by the Dangerous Drugs Board to look after drug dependents on probation under the custody of the board. The DDB provided the bureau the following guidelines in handling the drug dependents: 1) The person under probation must be required to be at his home between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m.; 2) He shall not change his residence without first notifying in writing the board ’ s agent and/or representative; 3) There shall be a limitation on the dependent ’ s social activities especially where he is likely to be in contact with persons of disreputable character or brought into association with persons of bad moral habits or inclinations; and 4) He shall be required to report to the board ’ s representatives once every two weeks or as often as may be necessary for educational lectures on the evil effects of dangerous drugs on his physical and mental conditions, as well as on society. RULES AND REGULATIONS implementing Presidential Decree No. 96 prohibiting, unless authorized, the attachment on any motor vehicle of such signaling or flashing devices as sirens, whistles, domelights, police and emergency red flashing lights and blinkers, bells and very loud and startling horns—were promulgated by the Land Transportation Commission. Only the following vehicles are authorized to be equipped with those devices: law enforcement vehicles—red domelights and sirens; fire trucks—amber domelights, sirens and bells; hospital ambulances—blue domelights and sirens; tow or service cars and wreckers—blue domelight only. The rules allow the attachment to all motor vehicles of the following: ordinary horn to warn other motorists and pedestrians; signal lights for making left and right turns; amber or white flashers installed in front and red flashers in the rear of vehicles to warn other motorists and pedestrians in case of emergency; and white headlights and rear lights that are red, yellow or orange. Tail lights, stop rights, license-plate lights and parking lights shall be installed in all motor vehicles. Also required are colored riding lights on each of the four corners not more than 10 centimeters from the top of trucks, buses, trailers and other similar vehicles for use during nighttime while on the public highways.

[9] Official Gazette for January 27, 1973: DEFENSE SECRETARY Enrile issued Department Order No. 739 allowing bail to detainees in provincial, city and municipal, jails, provided formal request or petition for bail is filed in a civil court which has lawful jurisdiction over the offense and over the person accused. Whenever a petition or formal request for bail is filed with a civil court, the designated representative of the secretary shall officially or formally oppose or interpose no objection on the petition, taking into account the following considerations: 1) Gravity of the offense and evidence of guilt in the possession of the prosecution; 2) The extent of the offense ’ s effect on public order on the internal or external security of the Republic; 3) Whether the accused, by reason of prior criminal conviction, notorious reputation in the community, or overall record, has become a public charge and, therefore, his release on bail will impair public peace; 4) Likelihood of escape pending trial or the result thereof; and 5) Reliability of proposed surety or bond. POLICE COMMISSION dismissed nine Rizal policemen and ordered the suspension of 29 others, including two municipal police chiefs. Twenty-nine newly suspended policemen, meanwhile, are still awaiting final disposition of their pending grave administrative cases by the new Polcom Adjudication Boards. They were ordered temporarily barred from the police service because of strong evidence of guilt against them. Since October 1972, the Polcom has dismissed 16 and suspended 734 policemen all over the country. TRICYLE OWNERS and operators must have to follow strictly the requirement to secure permits from the Land Transportation Commission before they operate. They must also secure PC clearances before they register with the LTC. These requirements were evolved during a conference among PC authorities and officials of the LTC, the Board of Transportation, Bureau of Customs and the Motorcycle Assemblers and Sidecars Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (MASMAP). The officials agreed to adopt the new procedures so as to clamp down on smuggled and stolen tricycles and to supervise more closely the tricycle business which is getting very popular especially in low-income and rural areas. Prior to their registration with the LTC, the tricycles will have to be cleared by the PC. Owners of MASMAP tricycles, however, can go ahead and register with the LTC while awaiting PC clearance. They will have to pay a registration fee to the LTC which will be considered a deposit. FILIPINOS SEEKING entry to Canada as non-immigrants for employment purposes must first obtain working visas. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo announced that visitors to Canada for periods of more than three months are also required to register with immigration authorities even if they do not intend to work. The new Canadian immigration regulations known as the Non-Immigrant Entry Records and Employment Visa Regulations took effect Jan. 1, 1973. Workers with pre-arranged temporary employments in Canada can secure their employment visas from Canadian immigration representatives in their home countries. Not affected by the new regulations are Canadians, landed immigrants, diplomats, armed forces personnel on official duty, foreign news representatives, visiting businessmen, members of the clergy, persons engaged in professional sports, crews of foreign transport and tourists and visitors who do not remain for extended periods or take employment in Canada. Violations of the regulations is punishable by fines up to P500 and/or imprisonment up to six months or deportation from Canada.

[10] This text cannot be verified because handwritten entry is missing .

[11] Official Gazette for January 28, 1973: THE PHILIPPINES is well on the way to attaining a record 6.5 per cent economic growth projected for this year based, among others, on the continuing growth rate in the export of semi-processed products and manufactures. Secretary of Trade and Tourism Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. said before an executive conference of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, that while the country continued to depend on a few primary exports whose world demand remains inelastic, the export growth of semi-processed products and manufactures has been very impressive. Among these products are processed foods, fruits and vegetables, footwear, garments and textiles, furniture, vegetable oils, plywood, glassware and articles made of wood. All of these products are labor-intensive and utilize in abundance domestic raw materials. ROYAL NEPALESE Government has accepted the nomination of Ambassador Romeo S. Busuego as non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines. Ambassador Busuego who is the Philippine Ambassador to India will hold his new position in a concurrent capacity. This was announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs. JULIAN FELIPE, composer of the “ Philippine National Anthem ” was remembered by the nation on the occasion of his 112th birth anniversary. Felipe, music teacher and composer, had joined the fight for freedom during the Revolution and was arrested by Spanish troops. During one of his visits to Cavite after his release, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo requested him to compose a musical score entitled, “ Marcha Magdalo, ” which later became the “ Himno Nacional Filipino. ” During the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12 of the same year, Felipe ’ s hymn was played in public for the first time. On Sept. 5, 1938, the National Assembly during the American regime passed a law officially adopting the “ Himno ” as the country ’ s national anthem.

[12] Official Gazette for January 29, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS pledged his total commitment to the fight against poverty to bring about the complete fruition of the New Society. The pledge came in the form of a message to the squatter families resettled in the PHHC resettlement area in Carmona, Cavite. Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor relayed the presidential pledge to the resettled families who attended the ceremonies for the awarding of passbooks to 100 heads of families in the resettlement area. Secretary Melchor announced that the government will continue its efforts to push through projects designed to make the Carmona resettlement area a viable community. He announced that jobs will be created for many of the resettled people who are still unemployed. He said that a textile company will soon put up a factory in the area. This, he said, is only one of the several projects being drawn up for the Carmona resettlement community. THE PRESIDENT was informed by a large group of Japanese businessmen that the investment climate in the Philippines is very favorable and that they intend to come back in November. Representing such industries as steel, tourism, food, real; estate development, and others, the businessmen arrived in Manila last Tuesday at the invitation of a local businessman, “ to come and see for themselves the changed atmosphere under Martial Law. ” Since their arrival in Manila, the businessmen had visited Cagayan de Oro, Del Monte in Bukidnon, Cebu and Baguio, and informed the President that they were surprised by the new atmosphere. “ We found many things conducive to investments here, and we hope to come back with more of our friends, ” they said. IMPLEMENTATION OF Presidential Decree No. 27 at this stage covers only tenanted rice and corn lands that are 100 hectares and above. Secretary Conrado F. Estrella of the Department of Agrarian Reform said that the promulgation of the rules implementing the decree has been suspended indefinitely to enable the government to arrive at a solution on the adverse effects the decree may have on small owners of tenanted rice and corn lands. The secretary stated that since it is the aim of President Marcos to strengthen the middle class and small landowners form a part of such middle class, all avenues are being explored to soften the impact of the decree on those who own small parcels of tenanted rice and corn lands. NEW SOCIETY is being formed by President Marcos mainly for the “ anakpawis ” and the “ maliliit ” and all who strive and work can certainly expect a better future for themselves and their children in its folds. This was what Secretary of Information Francisco S. Tatad told thousands of residents of Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, who converged at the barrio plaza to witness the induction of officers of their cooperative. Secretary Tatad declared that citizens assemblies created by President Marcos signify the new hope of the “ have-nots ” because these are a means of direct communication between the people and the government. He said the CA ’ s did away with political intercession, patronage and pressure as was the practice in the old order, and through them the barrio folk can solve their local problems by themselves, within the confines of their respective localities. CLOSER AND STRONGER government supervision of universities where student activism and subversive activities have been reported, was ordered by President Marcos. The President directed Secretary of Education and Culture Juan L. Manuel to submit within 24 hours a report and recommendation on the matter due to persistent reports that these activities are again on the rise in some universities, particularly in Siliman University. The President received a list of the names of students and faculty members, and their respective subversive activities, which he turned over to military authorities for appropriate action. He said he would not hesitate to take drastic steps toward protecting public interest in the management and supervision of schools or universities infiltrated anew by subversion. President Marcos stressed that these institutions should be protected, at all costs, against the inroads of radicalism so that students would not be distracted from their pursuit of learning. TWO FILIPINO NATIONALS are among those expected to be released from captivity shortly by the Viet Cong following the signing of the Vietnam ceasefire agreement. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo made this announcement after receiving a formal note from the U. S. embassy in Manila informing him that the list of American and foreign civilians captured in South Vietnam furnished Jan. 27, 1973 by the U. S. Department of State included the names of Filipino nationals, Candido Badua and Arturo M. Balagat. Both were reportedly captured at Hue, South Vietnam on Feb. 1, 1968. PRESIDENT MARCOS has endorsed the 1973 membership and fund drive of the Philippine National Red Cross and called on every resident of this country to give his share to the PNRC drive. In a message, the President expressed confidence the public will extend their “ massive gesture ” of support to the PNRC. “ The PNRC record over a quarter of a century has been outstanding, ” the President said. “ We can credit this in no small measure to the support that it has enjoyed from the people. ”

[13] Official Gazette for January 30, 1973: IN THE NEW CONSTITUTION, there is now a provision in the Bill of Rights recognizing the people’s right to information on matters of public concern. Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos pointed out that Section 6 of the Bill of Rights further provides that access to official records and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, shall be afforded to citizens, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law. AMNESTY FORMS being distributed by the authorities are free and should not cost anybody anything. Secretary Tatad issued this announcement in view of reports that certain parties got hold of the forms and are selling them in the South. The Information Secretary, meanwhile, called upon the country’s nurses to be social workers, teachers and dependable friends, in the exercise of their profession. Secretary Tatad said nurses must not be content with merely assisting the physicians in serving the medical needs of the people, but they must also be the “bearer of the light of modernization,” wherever they may be. Calling for the involvement of the medical practitioners in the effort toward the formation of a New Society, Secretary Tatad said that their commitment to the preservation of life must go hand in hand with the enhancement of opportunity for “a higher state of existence” in the new order. “You must not only heal, but you must also give hope,” he said. PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY Chief Fidel V. Ramos circularized all PC field commanders on the procedures for arrests, searches and seizures as prescribed by DND Department Order No. 740 dated Jan. 26, 1973 for their information and guidance. Gen. Ramos said “citizen’s arrests” may be made by a peace officer, Armed Forces personnel or a private person pursuant to Sec. 6 of the Rules of Court. The section specifies that a person can be arrested when he “has committee, is committing or is about to commit an offense,” or when a crime has been committed and “there is reasonable ground to believe” that the person to be arrested has committed it, or when the person has escaped from a penal confinement. The procedures to follow in this case, according to the PC chief, are: 1) The arrested person shall be brought without delay to the nearest AFP unit by the person who effected the arrest; 2) The AFP unit commander shall then determine whether the offense falls under General Order No. 2 and if so, the arrested person shall be booked, detained and investigated by the inquest officer; 3) Afterwards, the case shall be referred to the provincial investigating coordinating committee, through the provincial commander, for disposition. In the Greater Manila area, the case shall be referred to any of the investigation units, in accordance with orders issued by the commander of the Command for the Administration of Detainees; and 4) If the offense does not fall under General Order No. 2, the arrested person shall be turned over to civil authorities. STATE OF HEALTH in the country has considerably improved while the death rate has been drastically decreased. Secretary of Health Clemente Gatmaitan disclosed that the maternal and infant death rates in 1970 were 59.5 and 1.9 per cent, respectively, per 1,000 live births compared to 73.1 and 2.4 per cent, respectively, 10 years ago. Several factors were primarily responsible for this marked improvement in the health of the nation, including the expansion of the health services, efforts toward the control and prevention of communicable diseases and the improvement in the environmental conditions of the people. Sec. Gatmaitan predicted a further decrease in the mortality rate with the cooperation of the people through improved sanitation or cleanliness of parks, playgrounds and private premises, strict observance of hygiene rules, and a stepped-up implementation of health regulations. PRESIDENT MARCOS said that “with the passing of Don Quintin Paredes, the nation has lost not only one of its truly great men, but perhaps the last of a generation that included the likes of Recto, Laurel and Quezon.” The President extolled Don Quintin as one of those very few whose life parallels the life of his nation in its many states. The full text of the President’s statement follows: With the passing of Don Quintin Paredes, the nation has lost not only one of its truly great men, but perhaps the last of generation that included the likes of Recto, Laurel and Quezon. He was one of those very few whose life parallels the life of his nation in its many stages. He was born to a time of beginnings for the Filipino nation, when the Filipino people were only just beginning to experience solidarity. In an era dominated by the presence of the foreigner, he demonstrated early the capacities of the Filipino for self-government and statesmanship. Through his efforts, and those of his great contemporaries, the country took its rightful place among the nations. Thereafter, we were never without the leadership and counsel of this man. In every office that he served—the Judiciary, the House, the Senate, the Cabinet—he brought with him energy, aspiration and giftedness. Even in retirement, during his very late years, now and then he would give his share to the shape of events in our country. Only three years ago, we were privileged to fete him in the palace, and this remarkable and kindly man seemed as if he could go on for another quarter-century. But now he is gone, and he leaves behind him only the example of a life to a generation that must now do its share to meet the challenges of a new time.

[14] Official Gazette for January 31, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS today tapped the services of four key members of the defunct Senate and House of Representatives for specific assignments as Presidential trouble shooters. The four are: former Senators Leonardo Q. Perez and Rene Espina and former Congressmen Jose D. Aspiras and Carmelo Barbero. Earlier the President had appointed former Governors Tito Primicias of Pangasinan and Julian Pacificador of Antique for similar assignments. The President directed the four “to determine and identify the specific areas in the national efforts which require constant supervision” by Presidential trouble shooters. Upon their designation, the President instructed Mr. Espina to proceed to Iligan and look into the conditions obtaining in the Iligan Steel Mills particularly with respect to its labor and milling operations. Former Sen. Perez and former Rep. Aspiras were asked to start “a grassroots information campaign” on the programs that the administration is pursuing for the masses so that citizens’ participation can best be achieved. The President said he would name more Presidential trouble shooters and further bridge the communication gap between the government and the people, stating that in no time is there need for greater citizen involvement in public affairs than now. UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL officials visiting the country said that the improved situation under Martial Law is attracting world attention and that at least one head of government is following the Philippine experiment. The UPI officials paid their respects to President Marcos following their arrival in Manila to meet American prisoners of war who may be flown to Clark Air Force Base from Vietnam. After welcoming the officials and expressing the hope that more American media men could view the situation at close range, the President briefed them, saying that: 1) He is calling upon senators and congressmen, former delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and other leaders of various segments of society not only to advise him but to help out in various projects such as cooperatives, infrastructures, land reform, labor, manpower training and the like; 2) The Philippines is now tapping sources of geothermal energy for production, particularly the one in Tiwi, Albay; 3) The prospects for striking oil in the Philippines have attracted foreign oil companies, including Russians and Rumanians, who have expressed their desire to apply for oil concessions; and 4) He hopes to achieve national unity by granting selective amnesty and opening the barter trade for the Muslim Filipinos in the South. SECRETARY OF INFORMATION Francisco S. Tatad advocated brotherhood and peace and above all love among men as the proper foundation in the building of a New Society. In an extemporaneous speech before the Kiwanis Club of Manila, the secretary stressed that love is the basic element that binds the people toward national unity and discipline and from this branch out to other noble values that make a healthy and vigorous society. Mr. Tatad recalled the tendency of the people under the old society into believing unverified or false information which “are not deserving of the society we are trying to build, a society founded on the truth.” He pointed out that in the campaign for the magistracy of the truth in places where there is a death of the mass media, it is the duty of the civic-spirited citizens, civic groups like the Kiwanis Club, and others to inform the people of the truth and to reject the rumors and gossips. He urged civic leaders to make sure that the truth has a better chance of reaching the people than false reports and rumors, that they help develop among the people self-reliance and confidence. DEADLINE FOR RENEWAL of “licenses to operate” by private security agencies was extended to Feb. 28, 1973. Said deadline had been originally set for Jan. 30. Col. Honorio F. Balanon, chief of the PC Supervisory Unit for Security and Investigation Agencies, said the extension was granted by PC Chief Ramos because a great number of private security agencies have not yet fully complied with the requirements for their continued operation. He said many of these security agencies have not yet fully complied with the requirements for their continued operation. He said many of these security agencies have not yet secured clearance from the Department of Labor, the Social Security System and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, PRESIDENT MARCOS ordered a thorough study of the effects of the return of peace to Vietnam on local affairs as well as on the treaty arrangement of the Philippines with the United States and other foreign countries.. The President designated a special committee to analyze effects of the Vietnam peace on the country’s security problems, negotiations on the US military bases here, which are expected to be resumed, and negotiations on other arrangements with the United States, particularly the Mutual Defense Pact, Military Assistance Pact and Laurel-Langley Agreement. MALACAÑANG RELEASED the text of the Presidential decree providing for the repeal of Republic Act No. 427 which prohibits and penalizes the possession and exportation of silver or nickel coins under certain circumstances. R.A. No. 427 was enacted in 1950 to forestall a threatened coin shortage due to rampant unauthorized outflow of silver and nickel coins abroad. The pertinent provisions of the decree follows: “Whereas, Republic Act No. 427, ‘An Act Prohibiting the Possession and Exportation of Silver and/or Nickel Coins under Certain Circumstances and Providing the Procedure for Porsecution Thereof,’ was enacted in 1950 to forestall a threatened coin shortage; “Whereas, the present fiduciary coinage system of the country allows the replenishment of the coin supply quite easily and economically thus assuring a constant and adequate supply of small change; “NOW THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, and pursuant to proclamation 1081, dated September 22, 1972, as amended, and in order to effect the desired changes and reforms in the social, economic, and political structure of our society, do hereby order and decree the repeal of Republic Act No. 427. This Decree shall take effect immediately.” MALACAÑANG RELEASED the text of the Presidential decree facilitating the mergers and consolidation of banks to enable them to play a more effective role in the country’s socio-economic development. President Marcos said that bank mergers should be encouraged to promote the financial stability of different banking units. Towards this end, the President had previously issued Presidential Decree No. 71, dated Nov. 29, 1972, exempting merged banks from the application of Sec. 28 of the Corporation Law, some provisions of which tend to restrict or impede bank mergers or consolidations. The decree on bank mergers provides that: “Section 1. For the sole purpose of facilitating bank mergers or consolidations duly approved by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines, any bank may merge or consolidate with another bank and the capital stock of a bank may be increased to the extent necessary to effect such merger or consolidation by the affirmative vote of the stockholders representing at least a majority of the subscribed capital stock in a stockholders’ meeting called for that purpose, notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 28 and 17 of the Corporation Law (Act No. 1459, as amended). Sec. 2. This shall take effect immediately and shall remain in the force for a period of three years from the date thereof.” SECRETARY David Consunji of Public Works, Transportation and Communications said that his department has taken big strides in the repair and construction of roads primarily because of the renewed dedication of his men since the imposition of Martial Law. In an interview, the secretary noted that his department is now performing “30 or 40 per cent better than during the pre-Martial period.” The secretary said that the proclamation of Martial Law has made department personnel aware of the need to do better in their jobs.